BBC crew accused of stealing drink and trashing cottage.. while making film on dangers of drink

A BBC crew have been accused of stealing booze and trashing a cottage – while making a film about Scotland’s love for alcohol.

The crew were filming a documentary fronted by Hollywood actor Brian Cox at Bruichladdich distillery on Islay when they ran into trouble.

Furious distillery boss Mark Reynier took to Twitter to accuse them of twice damaging their accommodation and pinching drink during their three-day stay.

He tweeted: “The irony – BBC film at Bruichladdich about Scotland’s relationship with alcohol the crew trash the accommodation and nick all the booze.”

He later wrote: “You and I are paying for it. They didn’t trash it once, but twice! And thanked their hosts, two lovely old ladies, on their way out.”

BBC Scotland yesterday admitted leaving a mess but denied the room was trashed or any booze was pinched.

But one friend tweeted to Mr Raynier: “True artists – understanding the subject of their documentary from the inside.”

Another added: “That’s the BBC. If you’re going to do a job, do it properly.”

It is understood the BBC team were staying in a cottage in the distillery grounds which is used mainly for visiting business guests. One worker at the distillery said: “There was a real row about it.

“The ­housekeeper was far from happy when she saw the mess they had left.”

Dundee-born Cox – who has appeared in hit movies including Braveheart and The Bourne Supremacy – and his crew were working on a four-part documentary series for the BBC. Covering the history of drink and tobacco in Scotland, it is to be screened in the autumn.

The veteran actor was shown around the site by Bruichladdich master distiller Jim McEwan during the crew’s short stay.

It is not known whether he was still on the island when the alleged damage is said to have occurred.

The team spent several hours filming the whisky distilling process within the factory and also shot scenes of Cox inspecting the barley fields nearby which are used in the making of the famous malt.

Bruichladdich boss Reynier last night confirmed there had been damage caused but refused to give details.

He said: “I don’t want to say too much because the programme hasn’t been aired yet and we are still talking to the BBC.

“All I will say on the matter is there was a lot of water involved.

“I said what I needed to on Twitter so I will leave it there at the moment. They have sent flowers, letters and phone calls of profuse apologies. I want to leave it at that.”

Last night, a BBC Scotland spokesman said the team had apologised to staff at Bruichladdich for leaving a mess of food behind – but denied any alcohol had been pinched.

He said: “The crew had some takeaway food at night and because they were leaving very early in the morning, they didn’t manage to tidy up the room and apologised to staff.

“There was no booze stolen. The crew received a complimentary bottle of whisky from the distillery which they took.”